Places for People – the UK’s leading social enterprise – has today acquired land from Godwin Developments, to build over 50 new units to deliver much needed affordable homes in Shepshed, near Loughborough. As part of the enterprise’s long-term growth programme to deliver over 18,000 homes in the next five
UK property developer Godwin Developments today announces the launch of a nationwide build-to-rent (BTR) platform. Working as an equity investor in partnership alongside a leading institutional real estate partner, Godwin has ambitious plans to build a portfolio valued in excess of £1 billion. The joint venture (JV) will target both
Work already underway for first major residential scheme of affordable homes in central Bletchley UK property developer Godwin Developments has agreed a forward funding deal with CBRE UK Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) – a fund managed by CBRE Investment Management (CBRE IM) to deliver 184 affordable homes in central Bletchley,
PLANS for the first phase of a 10-acre business park next to Worcestershire Parkway Station, submitted by the UK property developer, Godwin Developments, have been approved today (Thursday, 14 October 2021) by Wychavon District Council. Amended proposals for the scheme located in Woodbury Lane in Norton, Worcestershire, will see 2.5
NATIONAL residential and commercial developer Godwin Developments today announces that it has submitted outline plans for the creation of up to 50 new family homes on land south of Ashby Road Central, in the Leicestershire town of Shepshed. The proposed scheme, which will be a mixture of house types, is
National property developer Godwin Developments has secured leases with leading British bakery chain Greggs and electric vehicle charging company The EV Network at its drive-thru retail development in Stoke-on-Trent, construction of which is currently under way and due for completion in Q4 of this year. The scheme, which is now
The decision means Godwin Developments has secured approval for 1000+ units this week following the approval of The Meridian in Sheffield. PLANS for the redevelopment of the former Royal Mail sorting office into a 692-bed student living development took a step forward today (Wednesday, 18th August) after members of the
UK RESIDENTIAL and commercial property developer Godwin Developments has submitted proposals for a 692-unit purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Nottingham city centre, on the site of the former Royal Mail sorting office. The plans, lodged with Nottingham City Council at the end of last week, propose the demolition of
UK residential and commercial property developer Godwin Developments has submitted proposals for 116 build-to-rent (BTR) homes and flexible commercial space in Ely, Cambridgeshire. The scheme, named Cathedral Green, has been designed to create an ‘urban village’ style community for residents of various ages and will deliver much-needed quality housing for
UK residential and commercial property developer Godwin Developments has announced the promotion of James Mulcare to the position of head of residential capital markets. In his new senior role, James will support the company’s strategy on acquisitions, development and funding for all its residential schemes – including urban and suburban
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Places for People – the UK’s leading social enterprise – has today acquired land from Godwin Developments, to build over 50 new units to deliver much needed affordable homes in Shepshed, near Loughborough. As part of the enterprise’s long-term growth programme to deliver over 18,000 homes in the next five years the new site will see a range of two to four-bedroom homes available to move in from 2024 including options to buy through the Government backed Shared Ownership scheme, and affordable rent. The site had existing outline planning consent and Godwin Developments obtained reserved matters approval from the council in Autumn 22. The development will help the local authority to meet its need for new high-quality affordable housing in the area. Ideally located just 0.5miles away from the Shepshed centre and only 0.8miles away from Junction 23 of the M1 Merchants Way not only does the site have great transport links for those commuting across the Midlands, but it sits within the heart of the local market town and offers close access to a range of amenities, giving residents the options to support local small businesses, as well as having easy access to a medical centre, post office and church. With four primary schools and three secondary schools the site is also ideal for families. Each home will offer plenty of space and is thoughtfully designed to give homeowners flexibility to make their home their own. All properties are built to high energy efficient standards, offering lower energy bills than second-hand homes. Nilam Buchanan, Regional Director for Developments in Central and North of Places for People commented: “At Places for People, we know that thriving communities can change lives, which is why we’re committed to creating more new homes across the UK that are affordable for people to live and address the UK’s housing needs. “Shepshed is a vibrant market town with a growing need for more new homes. We’re excited to be delivering a variety of properties with a range of purchase and rental options available, creating a great place to live for first-time buyers, growing families or even downsizers.” Stuart Pratt, Founder and Board Director at Godwin Developments, said: “We are really thrilled that Places for People will now be the custodian of this scheme, taking it forward through to the delivery and operation of new affordable and environmentally efficient homes for local people. Godwin has deep expertise in identifying the right sites and getting them through planning and Shepshed is a great example of this skill in action. The transaction will enable us to focus our efforts on other development projects across the country where we continue to seek residential, commercial and industrial opportunities that match our strategy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK property developer Godwin Developments today announces the launch of a nationwide build-to-rent (BTR) platform. Working as an equity investor in partnership alongside a leading institutional real estate partner, Godwin has ambitious plans to build a portfolio valued in excess of £1 billion. The joint venture (JV) will target both the single-family and multifamily BTR sectors in recognition of the substantial growth potential of the asset class. The strategy enables Godwin Developments to leverage its strong track record across acquisition, planning and delivery whilst rapidly scaling its operations in the sector. The JV partner has significant experience in investing in the living sectors across multiple jurisdictions, including in the UK. In the near-term, the JV partnership is aiming to develop its BTR proposition through the acquisition of both standing and forward funded stock as well as by unlocking new land opportunities. The Oxford-Cambridge Arc and the Home Counties will be key to expanding the delivery of single-family units for rent, and London, Bristol and Birmingham will be important target cities for the multifamily offering. The JV will focus on creating high-quality, professionally managed homes with strong ESG credentials that will appeal to residents of all ages and life stages – from singles and sharers, to couples, families, and downsizers. Research by the British Property Federation and Savills published last month estimated the BTR sector to be worth £170 billion by 2032, with completed BTR homes projected to increase fivefold over the next decade. Stephen Pratt, Director and Co-Founder at Godwin Developments said: “We are thrilled to announce the next step in our growth ambitions in the BTR sector. BTR has proven itself to be a highly defensive asset class and is rapidly establishing itself as a real alternative to home ownership, delivering an opportunity to alleviate the shortage of housing across the country. This launch is truly transformational for our business, and we look forward to growing our portfolio nationwide, adding value for residents, housebuilders, landowners, local authorities and other stakeholders using our expertise and unique ability to deliver, market and manage schemes across the development lifecycle.” Godwin Developments was advised by Alantra (corporate finance), Gateley (legal) and KPMG (tax). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work already underway for first major residential scheme of affordable homes in central Bletchley UK property developer Godwin Developments has agreed a forward funding deal with CBRE UK Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) – a fund managed by CBRE Investment Management (CBRE IM) to deliver 184 affordable homes in central Bletchley, Milton Keynes. The four-acre scheme, named Bletchley View, will provide a mix of affordable and shared ownership properties, a combination of one and two bed flats as well as 12 three-bedroom houses. CBRE UK Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) invests in affordable housing with the aim to have a significant social impact across the United Kingdom. Bletchley View will cater to the growing demand for affordable homes in the area, especially from young people and families, seeking quality housing within commuting distance to employment opportunities. It will consist of two six and five-storey buildings, a row of townhouses as well as commercial spaces for the benefit of residents and the neighboring communities. Aligning with the sustainability ambitions of AHF and Godwin, air source heat pumps for hot water and a mechanical ventilated heat recovery system will be installed. The scheme is also located close to a train and bus station to help promote the use of public transport. Stuart Pratt, Founder and Director at Godwin Developments said: “With its proximity to Milton Keynes, the UK’s newest and fastest growing city, Bletchley has significant potential to become a modern thriving urban destination as outlined in the plans for its regeneration. “We are therefore thrilled to have partnered with CBRE IM in delivering the first major new residential scheme in the area which will ensure local and new residents have access to a range of quality affordable homes. This scheme aligns perfectly with our strategy for developing a range of residential opportunities across key growth locations nationwide.” Andrew Davey, Head of Liability Aware Strategies at CBRE Investment Management commented: “We are particularly proud of our partnership with Godwin as it demonstrates the commitment we have to providing affordable homes where they are needed most. Our business plan proactively manages the scheme by setting rent levels and shared ownership prices to meet the specific affordability requirements of the local population. “We look forward to working with all our partners on this development and are excited to be delivering affordable, sustainable homes to the community of Bletchley.” Part of the multi-million-pound redevelopment plans for the Buckinghamshire town, famous for its role in World War II code breaking, Bletchley View will also support ambitious local plans for delivering more homes, wider infrastructure upgrades and amenities to the area. Located adjacent to Bletchley station, with connections to London and across Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire as a part of East West Rail, the scheme will be close to a range of existing amenities, with more to be delivered soon as a part of the metropolitan hub. When completed and fully occupied, it will sustain a diverse range of local shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, niche retail and SMEs which are expected to make Central Bletchley a destination in its own right. National business Winvic Construction has been appointed as the main contractor on the scheme with work on site already underway and expected to complete in Q2 2024. Godwin was advised by agents CBRE and lawyers Hamlins. Simply Planning were the planning consultant. Advisors to CBRE Investment Management were Penningtons and CS2. Godwin Developments has a fast-growing nationwide portfolio, including nearly 3,000 residential units nationwide some of which are set to begin construction in the second half of 2022. The business operates across the BTR sector covering both multifamily and single-family housing as well as affordable homes with a number of residential developments covering Nottingham, Doncaster, Cambridgeshire, Milton Keynes and Derby, and many more in the pipeline. The company’s commercial and industrial divisions work includes recent developments in Northamptonshire, Staffordshire, Dorset and Cambridgeshire, alongside a strong UK-wide pipeline.
PLANS for the first phase of a 10-acre business park next to Worcestershire Parkway Station, submitted by the UK property developer, Godwin Developments, have been approved today (Thursday, 14 October 2021) by Wychavon District Council. Amended proposals for the scheme located in Woodbury Lane in Norton, Worcestershire, will see 2.5 acres of currently vacant land transformed into two three-storey office blocks. When completed, the development will provide c. 3,500 sq. m. of grade A office space, and include 112 private car parking spaces, including seven disabled and 12 EV charging points, 80 cycle storage spaces and 15 motorcycle parking spots. The proposals also include new tree and hedge planting to increase biodiversity on site and a new footpath link to Worcester Parkway to enable convenient access to the train station. Businesses located on-site will benefit from excellent rail connectivity due to the development’s prime location next to the new train station, with direct routes into central London, Birmingham, Cheltenham, Bristol and Cardiff. Just a mile away from Junction 7 of the M5, it will also provide easy access to the UK’s extensive road network and fast transport connections into the airports of Birmingham and Bristol. Matt Chandler, development director at Godwin Developments said: “We are delighted to have secured planning approval for this commercial scheme which will provide much-needed grade A office space in South Worcestershire. As a part of the local Development Plan, which is expected to deliver 5,000 homes and 50 hectares of employment land by 2041, it will provide much needed additional space for new and existing SMEs to grow and establish their presence in the West Midlands. It will also deliver flexible remote working opportunities for larger businesses who seek to create a suitable base for remote workers, living in the area. “We would like to thank IMA Architects for designing a scheme that fits well into the local landscape, and Wychavon District Council for their support throughout the planning process.” The application for this scheme was delivered in conjunction with planning and development consultants Avon Planning Services Ltd. For further information on Godwin Developments visit www.godwindevelopments.co.uk
NATIONAL residential and commercial developer Godwin Developments today announces that it has submitted outline plans for the creation of up to 50 new family homes on land south of Ashby Road Central, in the Leicestershire town of Shepshed. The proposed scheme, which will be a mixture of house types, is situated on a vacant site next to the established community on Crowson Close, and is allocated for housing in the emerging Charnwood Borough Council Local Plan. When built, the development will contribute toward the delivery of much needed, good quality family homes in the area, including affordable housing. It will provide parking for residents and cycle storage for every dwelling, as well as private gardens and attractive house frontages. The scheme will feature an extensively landscaped area facing onto Ashby Road Central, giving residents access to shared green space and adding to the appeal of the town. It will use native planting throughout and an attenuation pond to support sustainable drainage, while also retaining existing green boundaries for privacy and the promotion of biodiversity. As a part of the work to increase connections with the town of Shepshed, the proposals will improve footpaths, offering active forms of travel to new residents. The development is advantageously positioned along the main arterial route into Shepshed with a range of amenities – including local primary and secondary schools, shops, recreational facilities, a wide range of other services and local employment nearby. It lies just over half a mile from junction 23 of the M1 motorway and approximately three miles from Loughborough, the principal settlement in the Borough of Charnwood. Residents of the new development will benefit from access to local public transport routes, with bus stops a short distance away offering regular services to Shepshed, Loughborough and Leicester. Historic parks and gardens as well as Charnwood Forest and the National Forest are also within a short drive from the development. Ketan Patel, senior development manager at Godwin Developments, said: “Our proposals for a residential development at Ashby Road Central are a logical extension to the town of Shepshed that needs to build 2,331 new homes by 2037 to satisfy growing demand. This will be a high-quality scheme that we hope will not only meet the expectations of local residents and support the Council’s strategy for sustainable development but will also promote Shepshed further as a desirable place for people of all ages to settle in and become part of the local community.” Nick Harrison, planning director at Godwin Developments, added: “This application delivers on the emerging local plan allocation and successfully mitigates any potential adverse impacts of development consistent with the relevant provisions of the development plan. The planning balance weighs heavily in favour of this sustainable development which will assimilate well with the established neighbourhoods of Shepshed, facilitate the provision of new local infrastructure and support the continued vitality and viability of the town.”
National property developer Godwin Developments has secured leases with leading British bakery chain Greggs and electric vehicle charging company The EV Network at its drive-thru retail development in Stoke-on-Trent, construction of which is currently under way and due for completion in Q4 of this year. The scheme, which is now fully let, is situated off the busy A50 Baths Road in Longton near the Phoenix Retail Park. The development is eight minutes’ drive from the city centre and is also adjacent to a Tesco Extra supermarket and a McDonald’s fast-food restaurant. With the lease of the drive-thru unit agreed with Costa Coffee earlier this year, Greggs has now committed to occupying the second unit at the site, which is a drive-to. The Greggs unit will contain 16 indoor seats as well as some external seating. Ketan Patel, senior development manager at Godwin Developments, said: “We’re delighted to have reached an agreement with national bakery giant Greggs at our roadside retail scheme in Stoke-on-Trent. The new store will provide a quick and convenient food-to-go offering to 60,000+ vehicles passing the site daily as well as the approximately 55,000 residents living within a 10-minute drive of the new outlet. Securing a popular operator like Greggs is a welcome addition to our scheme and will bring further custom to the site from the A50 and the Longton area.” Francesca Michie, regional property manager from Greggs, added: “We are delighted to be growing our presence in the city of Stoke-on-Trent. We are looking forward to opening the store and envisage this will be very popular amongst local residents as well as commuters on the A50. We would like to thank the team at Godwin Developments for their highly professional and flexible approach in helping us create the unit that best fits our requirements.” As well as signing Greggs for the development, Godwin has agreed a lease with independent charging provider The EV Network. The company will provide six charging bays that will be available alongside the site’s other 35 car parking spaces. Ketan added: “The proportion of electric vehicles on our roads is rising – with electric vehicles now expected to account for more than one in six new cars acquired in 2021. We therefore recognise the importance of making quick and rapid EV charging points available at the site. These will provide additional facilities to consumers as well as ensure the scheme’s longevity and sustainability.” Matthew Guest, acquisition manager at The EV Network, said: “The development represents a fantastic opportunity to bring ultra-fast, 300kW EV charging hardware to Stoke-on-Trent, enabling all electric vehicles to be charged in the shortest possible time. We are delighted to have worked with Godwin on this scheme and look forward to seeing the scheme in operation.” Stuart Pratt, director and co-founder at Godwin Developments, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Greggs again, providing the nation’s favourite bakery chain with an opportunity to grow its market share and customer reach at this prominent high traffic location in Stoke-on-Trent. It is also fantastic to be partnering with the EV Network for this development who have been excellent throughout. “Godwin Developments is a business with a significant experience with roadside retail schemes – including land acquisition, planning and build out – and we continue to seek additional sites across the country to support our customers expansion plans. “We are also pleased to be working on this occasion with local firm Intium Construction Ltd, providing additional income and employment into the area.” For more information about Godwin Developments, visit www.godwingroup.co.uk/developments
The decision means Godwin Developments has secured approval for 1000+ units this week following the approval of The Meridian in Sheffield. PLANS for the redevelopment of the former Royal Mail sorting office into a 692-bed student living development took a step forward today (Wednesday, 18th August) after members of the Nottingham City Council planning committee resolved to grant planning permission for Godwin Development’s proposals for the Bendigo Building. The decision was made subject to clarification of further design details. The scheme will see the currently disused property – which has been vacant for nearly 20 years – demolished and replaced with purpose build student accommodation (PBSA), which will provide new high-quality, contemporary living spaces for students in the city. The development – which is situated less than half a mile from Nottingham Trent University – will consist of a mix of modern studio apartments, four, five and six-bedroom clusters and accessible studio rooms. The scheme will also incorporate a range of indoor amenities such as two receptions, a spacious residents lounge, gym, study and games rooms, as well as a fully landscaped courtyard garden with outdoor seating, recreational and outdoor exercise equipment, 6 car parking and 312 cycle storage spaces. Two commercial units, located on the ground floor, will also provide an additional amenity for residents and the neighbouring community. Matt Chandler, development director at Godwin Developments, said: “We are delighted to have received the resolution to grant planning approval from Nottingham City Council for our proposals, which will transform this eye-sore of a building into a thriving student hub. “With unmet demand of over 7,000 student beds in the city and the number of undergraduates rising as both universities continue their expansion plans, there is a clear requirement for more dedicated student spaces where young people can live, study, and socialise together. Our plans will not only cater to this demand but also support the Council’s ambitions to keep the city centre vibrant, house students better, and protect further traditional family housing from being converted for student occupation.” “The Bendigo Building will also bring a substantial amount of investment, attracting £234 million of economic activity to Nottingham and the region in the form of construction, employment and discretional spend. Other community benefits will include a large contribution towards open spaces as well as employment and training, improvement of public realm and safety.” “We would like to thank Nottingham City Council’s planning team for their support of the scheme, as well as our partners – architects RG+P, planning consultants P&DG and engineering business HSP Consulting – for their work to-date.” The Bendigo Building is conveniently positioned within easy walking distance of Nottingham city centre, Sneinton Market, Nottingham Trent University and the main food and entertainment quarter, with the University of Nottingham and Nottingham train station also readily accessible via public transport. The scheme has been designed with sustainability in mind and contains features, such as air source heat pumps, photovoltaic (PV) roof panels and an energy efficient building fabric. It promotes greener ways of travel in and around the city, supporting cleaner air and reducing traffic congestion in the area. Once underway the Bendigo Building will create around 300 jobs during the construction phase – and 40 full-time positions when fully operational. James Mulcare, Head of Residential Capital Markets at Godwin Developments, said: “In recent years, Nottingham has cemented itself into a major higher education destination. The city attracts nearly 80% of its full-time students from the UK, making it resilient to fluctuations in international student demand. “As vaccination rates across the country continue to rise and young people seek to return to face-to-face learning and socialising, the need for purpose-built student accommodation will continue to grow – and with it a strong interest from investors across the globe. “We are confident that the Bendigo Building with its prominent location and high amenities provision will be popular with young people and will deliver attractive long-term returns to investors seeking to capitalise on the strong local PBSA market.” For further information on Godwin Developments, visit https://www.godwingroup.co.uk/developments/.
UK RESIDENTIAL and commercial property developer Godwin Developments has submitted proposals for a 692-unit purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Nottingham city centre, on the site of the former Royal Mail sorting office. The plans, lodged with Nottingham City Council at the end of last week, propose the demolition of the current disused and significantly degraded building, which has been vacant for nearly 20 years, and the construction of a new contemporary scheme, varying from 12 to 15 storeys in height Situated on the corner of Bath Street and Cowan Street, the development – named the Bendigo Building – is adjacent to St. Mary’s Rest Gardens and will consist of a mix of modern studio apartments, four, five and six-bedroom clusters and disabled studio rooms. The scheme will also incorporate a range of indoor amenities such as a spacious residents lounge and reception area, gym, study and games rooms, as well as fully landscaped courtyard garden with outdoor seating, recreational and outdoor exercise equipment, basement parking for 55 vehicles and 312 cycle storage spaces. Two commercial units, located on the ground floor have also been proposed as an additional amenity for residents and the neighbouring community. The development is conveniently positioned within easy walking distance of Nottingham city centre, Nottingham Trent University, Sneinton Market and the main food and entertainment quarter, with the University of Nottingham and Nottingham train station also readily accessible via public transport. Matt Chandler, development director at Godwin Developments, said: “We are delighted to have reached this important milestone in our proposals for the re-development of this significant site in Nottingham. The city is a key UK hub for higher education, with an ever-growing student population. As a business with a local presence, we recognise the substantial contribution that young people make to its potential. They bring energy and vibrancy to the area, draw in private investment, boost local businesses through discretional spend, support the day and night-time economy, and add to the ongoing city-wide regeneration initiatives. “With the number of full-time students expected to increase by approximately 28% in the next few years, there is a clear requirement for more dedicated student spaces where young people can live, study, and play together. The Bendigo Building will cater to these needs while also freeing up traditional housing stock, allowing homes to return to their intended family use – responding to the aspirations of many local residents. “We would like to thank Nottingham City Council’s planning team for their support and feedback with the scheme to date as well as the local community for engaging with us constructively during the public consultation stages. We’ve also worked closely with our partners – architects RG&P, engineers HSP Consulting and planning experts PD&G – who helped us to shape the proposals submitted last week.” The well-considered scheme also contains sustainability features, such as air source heat pumps, photovoltaic (PV) roof panels and electric vehicle charging points. It endorses green methods of travel in and around the city by encouraging cycling, walking and use of nearby public transport – all of which promote the health and well-being of students and cleaner air in central Nottingham. James Mulcare, head of residential capital markets at Godwin Developments, said: “Nottingham is one of the UK’s higher education hotspots with its leading universities attracting a growing number of students year-on-year. In the last few years, the full-time student population in the city has surpassed 63,000 and is growing faster than any other UK university destination. At the same time, independent evidence indicates that there are at least 25,000 young people who are unable to access PBSA – highlighting the robust demand for student living in the city and the clear requirement for dedicated schemes like the Bendigo Building.” Stephen Pratt, co-founder and board director at Godwin Developments, added: “More and more domestic and international students come to the city of Nottingham, seeking outstanding education and good quality accessible student living. We are confident that the Bendigo Building with its prominent location and high amenities provision will be popular with young people and will deliver attractive long-term returns to investors seeking to capitalise on the strong local PBSA market.” Once underway the Bendigo Building will create around 300 jobs during the construction phase – and 40 full-time positions when fully operational. Godwin Developments is currently progressing a number of other residential schemes across the country, including the recently announced 23-storey development in Sheffield city centre, ‘The Meridian’, which will see the creation of a 336-apartment BTR scheme, and the recently submitted planning application for a 116-unit BTR urban village scheme in Ely. The developer is also working on projects such as a suburban BTR scheme in Doncaster which will create 60 BTR homes, as well as two residential schemes in Nottingham which will provide 102 family homes. For further information on Godwin Developments, visit https://www.godwingroup.co.uk/developments/.
UK residential and commercial property developer Godwin Developments has submitted proposals for 116 build-to-rent (BTR) homes and flexible commercial space in Ely, Cambridgeshire. The scheme, named Cathedral Green, has been designed to create an ‘urban village’ style community for residents of various ages and will deliver much-needed quality housing for the city and surrounding areas. Located in Angel Drove, at the southern entry point into the city, the development proposes the creation of 57 two- and three-bedroom houses with private gardens, 59 one- and two-bedroom low-rise apartments including balconies, as well as 122 resident and guest parking spaces. Devised specifically for the rental market, the scheme will also incorporate a 1,457sq. m. three-storey commercial building, which will provide additional flexible working space in the area. Designed to offer a modern interpretation of the local architectural character, the Cathedral Green scheme will feature extensively landscaped open spaces intended to host community activities and become places for neighbours to meet and socialise. It will include a woodland walk that will seamlessly link the development to the wildlife site at the rear of the scheme, as well as natural play areas for children, a teens’ retreat and exercise space. At the heart of the development will be a reimagined village green, which will be car-free to support the creation of a safe zone for pedestrians and children. Specific emphasis will also be given to enhancing links between the development and the established local communities nearby. The plans will improve the currently overgrown footpaths as well as maintain existing connections with the Kings Ely School located to the north of the site. In doing so, it will form a natural link between the scheme and the existing woodland, while also promoting safety and accessibility for existing and future residents. Gurdeep Gill, associate director at Godwin Developments, said: “We are delighted to have submitted plans for our latest BTR housing development in Ely, created specifically to cater to rising demand for single-family homes in regional towns and cities. Our proposals seek to deliver a scheme that will fit well into the local area and improve its appeal to a wide range of residents, while also bringing new homes and jobs to Ely. “Aligned with East Cambridge District Council’s Development Plan, the scheme combines modern living with green and flexible working spaces, supporting quality of life and well-being for residents while enhancing the biodiversity of the area and the wider city. “We would like to thank the City of Ely Council and the Ely community for engaging with us constructively throughout the development process and helping us to shape the scheme that has been put forward. We would also like to acknowledge the contribution of our extended team of partners including planning consultants Rapleys, architects RG&P, engineering specialists Jackson Purdue Lever and landscape architects Macfarlane + Associates.” The Cathedral Green development will be located within a 10-minute walk from Ely City Centre and a range of local amenities such as food stores, schools, and a doctor’s surgery. The site is a mere 300 meters away from Ely Train Station, which offers regular trains to Cambridge, London Kings Cross, Stanstead Airport and further afield. It is also positioned for convenient access to the A10 – the main arterial route to Cambridge, Peterborough and London, and is well serviced by a local bus route leading to Ely City Centre and Cambridge. A range of local leisure and interest facilities are also nearby, including Ely Cathedral, Ely Marina, Ely Castle Mount and Cherry Hill Park. James Mulcare, head of residential capital markets at Godwin Developments, said: “Residential investment – and particularly BTR – is a key focus for our business. Our aim is to build the next generation of purpose-built rental accommodation for residents seeking quality homes and superior service. At the same time, we are also catering for the growing demand for long term stable income opportunities from investors. “Cathedral Green, which will be the first BTR scheme in Ely, is a new style of development just for rent, designed to attract a mix of residents, including families, single-person households, couples and independent senior residents – creating a truly multigenerational community. It will cater to a growing requirement for homes in suburban destinations, commuter towns and regional cities, that benefit from proximity to key areas of employment, access to nearby transport, private and public green spaces, amenities and local places of interest. “When complete, the development will be under single institutional ownership and it will be professionally operated and maintained to ensure it remains a welcoming home to its occupants and an asset to the city for many years to come.” Godwin Developments is currently progressing a number of other residential schemes across the country, including the recently announced 23-storey development in Sheffield city centre, ‘The Meridian’, which will see the creation of a 336-apartment BTR scheme, alongside recent planning success for its suburban BTR scheme in Doncaster which will deliver 60 BTR properties, as well as approval for two residential schemes in Nottingham which will provide 102 family homes. For further information on Godwin Developments, visit https://www.godwingroup.co.uk/developments/.
UK residential and commercial property developer Godwin Developments has announced the promotion of James Mulcare to the position of head of residential capital markets. In his new senior role, James will support the company’s strategy on acquisitions, development and funding for all its residential schemes – including urban and suburban Build to Rent (BTR), purpose-built student accommodation, affordable homes, and senior living developments. The promotion follows a period of rapid expansion for Godwin, which saw the appointment of the industry heavyweights Owen Michaelson and Lindsay McCombe, to the positions of London regional chairman and senior development director respectively, within the past ten months. Stephen Pratt, board director at Godwin Developments, said: “We are really pleased to have James heading our residential capital markets function. This promotion recognises his achievements and increased involvement with institutional investors and capital markets in the past 12 months. It also complements his continued focus on the BTR market and the delivery of property development projects that align with investors’ requirements.” In his national position, James will work with the firm’s land and development teams, as well as investors and BTR operators to grow Godwin Development’s residential portfolio and secure additional funding and investment sales across the UK. Commenting on his new appointment, James said: “I am delighted to take on this new and important senior role at Godwin Developments at a time when the appetite for residential assets across the sector is on the rise. Residential investment – and particularly BTR – is a key focus for us as we seek to deliver individual assets and portfolio opportunities for domestic and international institutional investors. “While the PBSA sector is a more mature market in the UK, the BTR – and especially single-family BTR sector – continues to grow rapidly and is at a very exciting stage. Moving forward, we will continue to follow the evolving demands of both occupiers and investors – providing a pipeline of secure long term investment opportunities for investors as well as high-quality homes and attractive communities for residents across a spectrum of tenures.” As a qualified member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, James joined Godwin Developments three years ago from MCR Property Group, where he focused on acquisitions and disposals, particularly developing their emerging PRS strategy. Prior to this, James worked in investment and asset management with the likes of LaSalle Investment Management and JLL. Stephen added: “Thanks to our in-house expertise and national coverage, we are well-positioned to provide both urban and suburban schemes in and around key UK towns and cities with strong economies and good social infrastructure, to support the ambitions of our institutional partners. “James has been an invaluable member of the team since joining us, contributing significantly to the growth of the business. We wish him every success in his new role and look forward to continuing to work closely with him in the future.” Godwin Developments is currently progressing a number of residential schemes across the country, including suburban BTR schemes in Doncaster, Nottingham and Ely which will see the creation of 269 single family BTR homes, as well as further urban BTR, PBSA and mixed-use projects in Sheffield, Nottingham, Derby, Worcester, and Bolton. For further information on Godwin Developments, visit https://www.godwingroup.co.uk/developments/.
